CARSON CITY - Today, Nevada Senate Majority Leader Aaron D. Ford made the following statement in response comments made by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer that the federal government would begin cracking down on states that had legalized recreational marijuana use. Senator Ford called on Attorney General Adam Laxalt to make it clear that his office will vigorously defend Nevada’s marijuana laws.

“The Attorney General must make it immediately clear that he will vigorously defend Nevada’s recreational marijuana laws from federal overreach. Not only did voters overwhelmingly vote to approve the legalization of recreational marijuana, the Governor’s proposed education budget depends on tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales. Any action by the Trump administration would be an insult to Nevada voters and would pick the pockets of Nevada’s students. Mr. Laxalt was never shy about taking action against the federal government under the previous administration. He must show that same consistency in taking on President Trump’s overzealous attack on the will of Nevada voters.”

Last year, Nevada voters passed Question 2 by a margin of 54% - 46%. Nevada is one of seven states that have legalized the use of recreational marijuana.